Thankful

On my way out of the parking lot at a local supermarket yesterday, I watched a pair of people start to argue over the parking spot I’d just vacated. One of the drivers had a passenger who seemed to be diffusing the situation enough that cooler heads prevailed, but it was striking how quickly the situation escalated. How often we all are around a situation that escalates any more. After all we’ve all been through the past few years, you can hardly blame folks for being on edge. But as we celebrate this Thanksgiving weekend and start into the holiday season in which we are all hoping to be a little more merry and bright, I realized in ways that the fault might be mine. That I might be wound a little too tightly, and only seeing the things I was looking for. Maybe I needed to be spending a little more time looking for the positives in all things.

There seemed like no better time than the present to think about all the things I am thankful for. Spoiler alert: there are some wildly (and occasionally over-) positive spins headed your way here.

I’m thankful that at least some small portion of the Colorado and national audiences get to see the genius that is Nikola Jokic.

I’m thankful that the Colorado Rockies did not finish at the bottom of the National League entirely, and that they have some nice pieces in place to work with for another go at this.

I’m thankful for Russell Wilson. Bear with me. I’m thankful that for whatever element of this Broncos experiment is currently going so awry, that Russ is comporting himself with professionalism, and as a leader. While we all want to see things improve, and Russ has a quarter of a billion reasons to want that more than anyone, he is maintaining his composure, and he is facing the questions.

I’m thankful to have a defending champion in town in the Colorado Avalanche.

I’m thankful that the Nuggets have all of their talent back and healed, and that they have a chance to do something special this year.

I’m thankful that the Rockies led the major leagues into an era of how baseballs are managed, stored, and semi-equalized, a practice now undertaken league-wide.

I’m thankful for the Broncos magnificent defense, and incredibly resilient fanbase.

I’m thankful that Cale Makar just keeps setting new records.

I’m thankful to have been able to attend both Colorado Mammoth and Colorado Rapids games this past year, and to go more often in the season to come.

I’m thankful to live at altitude, and see how much that impacts the teams that have to climb the mountain to come here and compete with us. I’m thankful for fourth quarter defenses with their hands on their knees, just trying to catch that little gasp of air that doesn’t seem to be coming. I’m thankful for the announcements some of our teams make in advance of their games, making sure these poor foes are thinking about hypoxia before they even step out to play.

I’m thankful for a platform and community like DNVR and All-City to share in the connection, talent, and family I see and know DNVR to be. I have the odd advantage and disadvantage of being a little further outside the loop than most of the rest of the crew, and the kindness, humor, generosity, and brilliance that comes shining through to the larger audience is actually just who these people are. It is such a gift to get to share this space with any of them, let alone all of them.

I’m thankful for the larger family that is the DNVR family and fanbase. The passion, kindness, and clarity with which I hear from folks out there always blows my mind in how wonderful DNVR Nation is. While there are a lot of talented and wonderful folks working for this team, our special sauce is truly in the incredible community you all have formed around us.

I’m thankful for a roof over my head, and a near-unfortunate amount of turkey in my belly. I’m thankful for the love of family and friends near and far, and even those now past. I’m thankful that tomorrow is another day, and that there will be enough parking for us all. I am thankful for this magical place we all live in, and for the amazing sports, events, and moments we all get to witness here.

Have a great weekend, DNVR. Thankful for you.